Lila E. Graffen

Lila Graffen, age 91, was called home to Jesus with her children at her side on Thursday morning, May 5, 2011. Lila was born in Fond du Lac on September 4, 1919, daughter of the late Arthur and Mary (Vogds) Loehr. On October 26, 1940, Lila married Norman Graffen in Fond du Lac; he preceded her in death on June 17, 1969. The family spent twenty-five years farming in Van Dyne, and later moved to Oshkosh. Twenty years later, Lila relocated to Appleton where she has resided since. Lila was raised in a strong Catholic household, and always held close to her faith. She was currently a faithful member of Sacred Heart Parish. Lila enjoyed travel, especially to Israel, and to the many Christian conferences she attended. She was also an excellent mother and homemaker.

Lila and Norman were blessed with nine children, seven of whom survive: Karen (Norman) Sutter of Menasha; Judy (Vernon) DeMotts of Appleton; Michael (Cheryl) Graffen of Oshkosh; Marilyn (Reuben)Carranco of Oshkosh; Susan Vaughan of Green Bay; Linda (Eugene)Schiesl of Appleton; and Diane (Michael) Adamczyk of Milwaukee; there are eighteen grandchildren: Richard Kerr, Kathleen Weber, Cynthia Conley, Daniel Kerr, Jeffrey Bloedorn, James loedorn, John Bloedorn, Stacy Clark, Michelle Tony, Kristine Graffen, Jennifer Vaughan, David Vaughan, Patrick Vaughan, Joshua Schiesl, Ian Schiesl, Neil Schiesl, Kelly Adamczyk, and James Adamczyk; twenty-nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. Lila also leaves behind two sisters: Vera Marcoe of Fond du Lac and Joyce Farrell of Oregon. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Norman in 1969, a daughter Jean Marie Graffen, a son Roger Graffen, brothers Edward (Betty) Loehr and Conrad Loehr, and brothers-in-law Clarence Marcoe and Edward Farrell.

The funeral liturgy for Lila will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 9, 2011 at SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH, 222 E. Fremont Street in Appleton with Fr. Robert Karuhn officiating. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Oshkosh. Friends may call directly at the church on Monday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.

Having been brought up Catholic, Lila leaves behind a strong legacy – She possessed so many wonderful traits, and she passed them all along to her children who try to live them each day: generosity, patience, a good work ethic, love for family, but most of all, faith and forgiveness.

The family would like to offer their sincere thanks to all of the staff and caregivers at St. Paul Home in Kaukauna, especially those on Birch Lane. You took care of our mom as though she was your very own, and we will never forget the kindness you have shown to our family. Thank you all so very much.

Wichmann Funeral Home
Tri County Chapel
3212 S. Oneida Street
Appleton, WI 54915
920 831-9905